♥ 5 Steps To Happy Hummingbirds ♥

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* Birds like to perch and survey their territory.

* Sitting and resting during feeding saves precious energy.

* Perching helps young birds to socialize.

* Yellow flowers on feeders are unnecessary.
* They are said to attract ants.
* They make the feeder much harder to clean.

I don't like the idea of a disposable feeders, commercial premixed nectars or any other gimmicks that companies come up with just to make money! If you don't have time to clean out your feeders, just hang seasonal flowers that the hummingbirds enjoy. See the list below.

If you are serious about attracting your own little band of buddies, it's important to be vigilant about the filling and cleaning of several feeders right from the beginning. If you aren', they'll just come on down to my place! : - D I put out several feeders as soon as I see activity, because hummers are so territorial that if you only have one or two out, some will just move on if the competition is too tough. Read this lens to find out all the details of hummer happiness. If you have any questions, be sure to email me! I'd love to hear from you!

*I repeat, do not use premixed solutions!

* ESPECIALLY do not use any product with red dye in it.
* It's unnecessary and may harm the birds.
* At best it is useless.

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* Use four parts tap water to one part regular cane sugar (NO substitutes) for your nectar. It is the most widely accepted solution.

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*This mix approximates the average sucrose content of flowers favored by North American birds.

* Do not make it sweeter as it may harm the birds.

* No need to boil the water! It will last up to two weeks in the fridge.

* Use very hot tap water and dissolve the sugar by stirring or add it directly to the bottle and shake well.
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* A five parts water to one part sugar mixture increases hummingbird action at the feeders.
* Hummers seem to like it just as well.
* It decreases ant and other insect attraction.
* If you do this, stick with the four to one during times of migration, when they need more energy and need to put on weight.

Since I go through a lot of nectar, I've come up with a system that I think is pretty efficient for mixing and storing sugar-water nectar for my hummingbirds. When I fill and clean the feeders, I make up 4 - 6 liters extra and store it in clean juice bottles in the fridge. The hummers actually prefer the cold drink when it's hot out. Don't you? I keep a half cup measuring cup in my sugar canister. I add two of these to the pitcher, then add four heaping cups of hot tap water and mix it up real good with a wooden spoon or shake it up in the bottle. I use a funnel and put it into the bottles which I store in the fridge. (They're good for up to two weeks, but during peak season they don't last more than a day or two around here!)

It's all good though! I've had such an action packed summer and have used almost 100 lbs of sugar to date. I have had so much fun photographing and drawing my little sweeties. It has been a great challenge and learning experience. I've perfected my nectar making process and have posted some tips and photos here

* The north side is most desirable. - It's in shade most of the day.

* The south side isleast desirable. - It's in direct sun most of the day.

*Placing feeders under trees provides cover and eliminates direct sunlight. However, don't hang them directly from trees or objects where cats or other animals may gain access.
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* Pole hangers or shepherd's hooks are the safest and most versatile for hanging feeders.

* They can easily be moved to ideal locations.
* This keeps feeders a safe distance off ground - away from predators.

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* About ants:

* I have successfully used Raid Outdoor Ant Bait stakes at the base of the pole to eliminate ants. Ortho also makes one.

* I have sprayed PAM on poles at the base, near ground to eliminate ants.

* Do not spray up high where the oil could drip or come into contact with birds, however.

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* Position feeders near trees and plant cover.

* Hang feeders near windows so you can enjoy the hummingbirds'company.

* To be on the safe side, put decals and or sun catchers on windows near feeders to avoid collisions.

* Maintaining your feeders is a commitment. ~ Your hummers will become dependent on your care.

* Be prepared to continue with the upkeep. ~ Or plant a hummingbird garden, instead.

* Hummingbirds will starve rather than consume spoiled sugar water. ~ They will simply move on.

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* Discard any unconsumed or spoiled solution after a week's time, or if the water becomes cloudy

* Every filling, flush the feeder with hot tap water and scrub with a small feeder brush. Don't use soap, just hot water.

* Visually inspect the entire feeder for black mold! This is easily removed with a bleach soak.

* A bleach soak should be done on a regular basis, monthly or as needed.

* For a bleach soak, clean the feeder thoroughly with a solution of 1/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water.

* Soak for one hour, then clean with your hands and a bottle or feeder brush.

* Rinse well with hot running water and refill.

* If the birds are not emptying your feeder between cleanings, just partially refill it.

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* If the sugar solution in your feeder turns cloudy, it's spoiled and needs to be replaced.

* If you get a lot of rain and the mixture gets diluted, you need to change it.

* When the temperature is over 80 degrees (F), clean and refill every two to four days.

* Over 90°F, it might spoil in one or two days.

This is worth repeating ~
* Bleach soak should be done on a regular basis ~ monthly or as needed.

* Clean the feeder thoroughly with a solution of 1/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water.

* Soak one hour, then clean with a bottle or feeder brush.

* Rinse well with running water and refill.

* Plant vegetation that attracts hummingbirds ~ to provide natural nectar and attract the insects they feed on.

* Flowers they like are usually highly visible, with little fragrance.

* A hummer garden is also a great way to attract customers to your feeders!

* Don't use pesticides around hummingbird plants.

*Pesticides will also eliminate the small insects hummingbirds rely upon for protein.

*Ingesting sprayed flowers could sicken or kill the birds.

* Some Common Plants to Attract and Feed Hummingbirds ~

Trees and Shrubs ~ * Azalea * Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) * Cape Honeysuckle * Mt. Laurel * Mimosa

Vines ~ * Coral Honeysuckle * Cypress Vine * Morning Glory * Trumpet Creeper

Flowers ~ * Bee Balm (Monarda) * Canna * Cardinal Flower * Columbine * Foxglove * Hosta * Yucca * Fuchsia * Impatiens * Petunia * Various Salvia species

See My Lens "HUMMINGBIRD HEAVEN", An Ongoing Diary of Hummer Happenings